Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment Options | How to Reduce Esophageal Cancer Risk

After a Barrett’s esophagus diagnosis, many patients ask: What happens next—and do I need treatment? In this episode, foregut surgeon Dr. Caitlin Houghton of Keck Medicine of USC explains how Barrett’s esophagus is treated in the United States and how doctors work to reduce the risk of progression to esophageal cancer. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How doctors decide when treatment is needed • The role of reflux control, medications, and lifestyle changes • When endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) may be recommended • When surgery may be considered • Why ongoing surveillance is important for long-term care If you or someone you love has Barrett’s esophagus, chronic GERD, or long-term acid reflux, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help you better understand your options. This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced by Gastro Girl in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Missed earlier episodes? Watch here: Part 1: From Reflux to Risk – How Heartburn & GERD Could Lead to Esophageal Cancer https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/from-r... Part 2: Barrett’s Esophagus – The Hidden Risk of Chronic Heartburn https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/barret... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6HTf... iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-th... Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0H7577WGJ... About This Series This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced with leading U.S. clinicians and researchers committed to improving patient education and outcomes. About the Gastro Girl Podcast In each episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin, podcast creator, longtime patient advocate and the Founder of Gastro Girl, will tackle topics that go beyond the basic mainstream coverage of GI health to educate, inform and empower patients and their caregivers. If you crave the inside scoop on the latest news, research and resources related to gastroenterology, and want it all delivered in an engaging, friendly, nonjudgmental and educational way that features leading GI experts, inspiring patients and positive vibes, this podcast is also for you. Gastro Girl, an official patient-education partner of The American College of Gastroenterology, is committed to providing actionable and evidence-based health information to help empower patients to better health. Have a question or a digestive health-related topic you'd like us to address on an upcoming episode? Are you a patient who wants to share their story? Please email us podcast@gastrogirl.com   Looking for expert-backed digestive health support? The Ask Gastro Girl App is your trusted AI-powered companion, offering quick answers, symptom tracking, personalized nutrition plans, and more. Download now to take charge of your gut health: https://gastrogirl.com/ask-gg-app/ Disclaimer: The sole purpose of the Gastro Girl podcast is to provide educational and informational content. Gastro Girl, Inc., American College of Gastroenterology, The Gastro Girl Podcast, host, Jacqueline Gaulin, and any and all guests appearing on any Gastro Girl podcast episode [Collectively the Service Provider] do not provide any medical advice and the Information will not be so construed or used as medical advice. Using, accessing and/or listening to the Gastro Girl Podcast and/or providing personal or medical information to the Service Provider does not create a clinician-patient relationship between the Service Provider and you or your patients. Nothing contained in this or any Gastro Girl Podcast episode is intended to create a clinician-patient relationship, and you will not rely on anything contained in any podcast episode in diagnosing or treating yourself or anyone else. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PODCAST EPISODES IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NO WAY INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, CURE OR TREAT ANY MEDICAL OR OTHER CONDITION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING. If YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A HEALTH Emergency Please CALL 911